Dean Hamer
Scientist, Filmmaker, and Gay Rights Activist
Scientist turned documentarian Dean Hamer is an Emmy Award–winning filmmaker and New York Times Book of the Year author with a long history of communicating complex and controversial ideas to diverse publics. He formed Qwaves with partner Joe Wilson to produce insightful and provocative documentaries about often overlooked social issues. Their films were part of…
Categories :
Full Bio
Scientist turned documentarian Dean Hamer is an Emmy Award–winning filmmaker and New York Times Book of the Year author with a long history of communicating complex and controversial ideas to diverse publics. He formed Qwaves with partner Joe Wilson to produce insightful and provocative documentaries about often overlooked social issues.
Their films were part of the pioneering days of citizen-generated content on the Internet and cable television, won numerous awards including the PBS Independent Lens Online Shorts Festival and Videomaker Documentary Competition, and have been used as outreach and educational tools by many community and educational organizations.
In 2004, the Qwaves team returned to Wilson’s small hometown of Oil City, Pennsylvania, to direct and produce the Sundance-supported, Emmy Award–winning PBS documentary Out in the Silence, which premiered at the Human Rights Watch International Film Festival at Lincoln Center to great critical acclaim. Through more than 700 grassroots screenings across the country, this film has become part of a national movement to open dialogue, counter school bullying, and support fairness and equality for all.
In addition to his film work, Hamer is the author of several best selling nonfiction books, a consultant for BBC and Discovery, and a sought-after lecturer and frequent guest on TV documentaries and news shows. His discovery of the “gay gene” sparked a national debate, and his research on the genetics of personality, addiction and spirituality have revolutionized our understanding of human nature and what people can and cannot do to change themselves.
Hamer and Wilson live on the North Shore of Oahu, Hawai’i, where they are working on the new film project KUMU HINA.
Testimonials
Ernie was perfect for our Elders Conference at Little River Casino Resort in Manistee, Michigan. We will definitely be using PDA again!
LITTLE RIVER BAND OF OTTAWA INDIANS
Our speaker was great and the crowd enjoyed her! She was very engaging. Thank you again PDA for the great list of suggestions!
MEDTRONIC
Everything went great! and our speaker was wonderful! Thank you so much for all your help PDA! Looking forward to the next one.
UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI – KANSAS CITY
I hope that this message finds you well. We had a phenomenal time with Atsuko this past Thursday. We wanted to just let you know how amazing she was. All those that were in attendance thoroughly enjoyed her and had nothing but amazing things to say about her. Thank you for working with us to make sure this happened!
BAYLOR UNIVERSITY CAMPUS
We had a fantastic day with Inge! She was very engaging with all those that attended. Her personal stories about the holocaust were very special and we were moved that she was willing to share them with everyone. Thank you again, PDA for all your hard work and dedication to make this program such a success!
SALT LAKE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Dear PDA Group, Thank you so much for your hard work in scheduling our speaker! From the moment we reached out to you the first time, you worked with us on all details and logistics and kept us up-to-date on the progress. Thank you for all your hard work on making our event such a success! We couldn't have done it without you and your team!
SAP COMPANY
Thank you again, Dr. Kimbrough, for a great presentation, our attendees are still talking about it!
CAMPUS LABS
Dr. Henry Lee's presentation was entertaining, insightful and wise. I, and everyone at Pfizer, especially appreciate the remarks you directed about following your passion and preparing yourself to excel. Thank you, everyone, at PDA for helping to make this happen!
PFIZER
The event was successful! I received many messages expressing how awesome, outstanding and inspiring Ms. Webb-Christburg's speech was."
DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. MEMORIAL BREAKFAST, BOSTON, MLK SPEAKER
Everything went well. Atsuko was very easy to work with and the students enjoyed her performance! Thank you again for your recommendation and I hope to work with you again in the future!
CENTRAL MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY
Dr. Novello left this morning after a very successful event on our campus! Thank you PDA Group for your help from the first phone to the last you were with us every step of the way.
GRAND VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY
Jordan Carlos was very very entertaining! A majority of students who answered the event survey indicated they really enjoyed Jordan and definitely will bring him back!
WESTERN CAROLINA UNIVERSITY
On behalf of myself and my organization Entertainment Unlimited the Campus Programming Board of Ferris State University, we thank you PDA and Dan for a successful event!! Dan was magnificent! Students really enjoyed the presentation. I know I did. Can't wait to bring in more programs with PDA Group.
FERRIS STATE UNIVERSITY
It was a great pleasure to work with PDA Group! The communication was always prompt, friendly and helpful. We loved the speakers and events we booked through Mr. Peter Walker (PDA Group).
WESTERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY
Thank you, Peter, for all your help, you'll be happy to know that the event went incredibly well! Aneesa Ferreira was by far one of the best speakers we've ever had!
FURMAN UNIVERSITY
Topics
A Conversation With Dean Hamer
Dean Hamer Talks About Gay Gene Study and Research on Sexual Orientation
Gays, God and Genes
Videos
Dean Hamer - Gays, God and Genes
Dean Hamer Talks About Gay Gene Study and Research on Sexual Orientation
News
Testimonials
GET IDEAS
1 HOUR OR LESS
